Кабината

Lesson 31: Unit 89 - Present Perfect (Present Perfect/Past Simple)

This lesson looks at the difference between the Present Perfect and the Past Simple – when to use each of the two tenses and how they complement each other in dialogue and written text.

About this lesson

In this lesson you will learn the difference between the Present Perfect and the Past Simple in English. You will see when the Present Perfect is used for actions connected to the present moment and when the Past Simple describes a completed action at a specific time in the past. You will practise through an authentic dialogue between Nick and Monica in a restaurant. The practical exercises will help you form this important grammatical contrast correctly.

40 minutes

What you'll learn

  • Distinguish between the uses of the Present Perfect and the Past Simple
  • Use the Present Perfect with 'ever', 'never', 'just', 'already' and 'yet'
  • Use the Past Simple when a specific time in the past is mentioned
  • Apply 'for' and 'since' with the Present Perfect for a period of time
  • Understand why the Past Simple is used after 'when'
  • Give short answers with 'Yes, I have' / 'No, I haven't'

Lesson vocabulary

  • have you been here long? Have you been here long? No, I haven't. I came in a few minutes ago.
  • have you ever tasted Have you ever tasted real French wine?
  • I have never tasted it before It's always interesting to have a dish you've never tasted before.
  • I have just arrived Monica has just come.
  • I have already ordered I've just ordered a drink.
  • I haven't ordered yet I haven't ordered yet – what do you recommend?
  • I haven't seen her for a long time I haven't seen her for a long time.
  • since February I haven't seen her since February.
  • gorgeous I don't remember the name but it was gorgeous.
  • to get to know He wanted to get to know their national cuisine.
  • typical dishes He wanted to taste as many of their typical dishes as possible.
  • pasta varieties He tasted some different vegetable soups as well as some pasta varieties.
  • couscous If we order Merlot it's better to taste couscous.
  • Romano cheese There are tomatoes, Romano cheese, olive oil and parsley in it.
  • a light meal I'd like a light meal tonight.

All lessons in this level

In other languages: Български